EP0124401A1 - Anzeiger für den Flüssigkeitsstand - Google Patents

Anzeiger für den Flüssigkeitsstand Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0124401A1
EP0124401A1 EP84400625A EP84400625A EP0124401A1 EP 0124401 A1 EP0124401 A1 EP 0124401A1 EP 84400625 A EP84400625 A EP 84400625A EP 84400625 A EP84400625 A EP 84400625A EP 0124401 A1 EP0124401 A1 EP 0124401A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
magnet
fluid
reservoir
carrier assembly
fluid level
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP84400625A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0124401B1 (de
Inventor
John E. Steer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Honeywell International Inc
Original Assignee
Bendix Corp
Allied Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bendix Corp, Allied Corp filed Critical Bendix Corp
Publication of EP0124401A1 publication Critical patent/EP0124401A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0124401B1 publication Critical patent/EP0124401B1/de
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
    • B60T17/00—Component parts, details, or accessories of power brake systems not covered by groups B60T8/00, B60T13/00 or B60T15/00, or presenting other characteristic features
    • B60T17/18—Safety devices; Monitoring
    • B60T17/22—Devices for monitoring or checking brake systems; Signal devices
    • B60T17/225—Devices for monitoring or checking brake systems; Signal devices brake fluid level indicators

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a fluid level indicator for a reservoir wherein a signal is generated whan the fluid level reaches a predetermined minimum level. More particularly, the invention covers a reservoir wherein a magnet is movable in response to the fluid level to actuate a reed switch.
  • a master cylinder in a vehicle brake system is provided with a reservoir to carry brake fluid. Throughout the life of the brake system increasing amounts of brake fluid are communicated from the reservoir to the master cylinder to accommodate lining wear and the associated piston adjustment. If the fluid level approaches a minimum level, it is desirable to provide a warning for a vehicle operator so that brake fluid can be added to the reservoir and the brake system checked for leaks or excessive friction lining wear.
  • the indicators take up the entire height of the reservoir as a magnet is moved adjacent a reed switch to actuate a warning circuit.
  • the float material is a plastic "foam", such as a porous resin or a two-part assembly requiring attachment before use with the master cylinder reservoir.
  • the present invention provides a fluid level indicator for a reservoir containing fluid, the indicator including a magnet which cooperates with a reed switch or the like to generate a signal when the fluid level in the reservoir is below a predetermined level and a carrier assembly associated with the magnet to control movement of the latter, characterized in that said carrier assembly comprises a first part supporting said magnet thereto and a second part movable in response to the level of fluid in the reservoir to move said magnet from a rest position to an actuated position, said second part defining a weight which is greater than the weight of said first part and said magnet when said carrier assembly is out of the fluid, said first part and said magnet combined weight being greater than said second part weight when said carrier assembly is in the fluid, and said carrier assembly comprising a solid plastic-like material having a density which is less dense than the density of said magnet whereby said second part will move said first part as the fluid level approaches or reaches the predetermined setting.
  • the carrier assembly can be molded as a solid from a variety of plastic-like materials, thereby decreasing production time. It is also an advantage that the carrier assembly is disposed adjacent a base for the reservoir at all times to define a low profile for compact disposition within the reservoir.
  • Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a reservoir
  • Figure 2 is a view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1
  • Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1 with a full level of fluid
  • Figure 4 is a top view of Figure 1.
  • a master cylinder reservoir 10 comprising a housing 12 is utilized to carry brake fluid 14 in the chamber 13 completely filling the reservoir 10 at the full level indicated at 16.
  • the housing 12 is made by joining a top half 18 with a bottom half 20.
  • the top half includes an opening 22 for filling the reservoir with brake fluid while the bottom half includes openings (not shown) extending from a base 24 to communicate brake fluid to a master cylinder or the like in a vehicle brake system.
  • the bottom half includes an integrally formed wall 26 forming a central cavity 28 for receiving a part of the indicator 30.
  • the bottom half also defines a chamber 32 outside the fluid chamber 13 and a reed switch 34 is carried in the chamber 32 near the base 24.
  • the indicator 30 comprises a magnet 40 and a carrier assembly 42.
  • the carrier assembly 42 is preferably made of solid polypropylene with a density slightly greater than the density of the brake fluid and less than the density of the magnet.
  • the wall 26 is formed with a slot 46 so that a first part 48 of the indicator extends outwardly of the cavity 28 in the direction of the reed switch 34.
  • a second part 50 of the indicator 30 is disposed in the cavity so that a pivot on the carrier assembly 42 separates part 48 from part 50 and pivotally engages the bottom edge 52 of slot 46.
  • the carrier assembly 42 is formed in substantially T-shaped configuration, see Figure 4, with a leg 54 extending from the middle of a cross member 56.
  • the leg 54 terminates in a snap-fit 58 arrangement with the magnet 40 to carry the latter adjacent the chamber 32.
  • a pair of recesses 59 and 61 on the leg receive the wall 26. Projections 63 and 65 oppose removal of the leg from the slot 46.
  • the cross member 56 is cylindrical in configuration so that when the cross member 56 engages the base 24, the leg 54 disposes the magnet 40 directly opposite the reed switch 34.
  • the weight of the first part 48 is less than the weight of the second part 50 so that on a horizontal reference, the magnet will pivot upwardly until the second part 50 is engaged with the base 24.
  • the effective weight of the first part is greater than the effective weight of the second part so that the magnet will pivot downwardly to engage the first part with the base 24 while the second part will be pivoted upwardly spaced from the base.
  • indicator 30 forms a low profile within the reservoir chamber 13 to avoid interfering with the opening 22 or the top half 18.
  • the carrier assembly and magnet remain substantially stationary near the base until the fluid level is at or near the predetermined minimum level. , Consequently, the reservoir need not accommodate a float-like part which moves with the level of fluid from a full position to the minimum level.
  • a conventional float-like part displaces considerable reservoir fluid volume while requiring considerable reservoir capacity and the minimum fluid level for actuating the reed switch is limited.
  • the invention herein provides a lower minimum level than previously available because the carrier assembly described herein does not require buoyant-like characteristics and displaces less fluid volume.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transmission Of Braking Force In Braking Systems (AREA)
  • Level Indicators Using A Float (AREA)
EP84400625A 1983-04-01 1984-03-28 Anzeiger für den Flüssigkeitsstand Expired EP0124401B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US06/481,516 US4489224A (en) 1983-04-01 1983-04-01 Fluid level indicator
US481516 1983-04-01

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0124401A1 true EP0124401A1 (de) 1984-11-07
EP0124401B1 EP0124401B1 (de) 1987-06-24

Family

ID=23912223

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP84400625A Expired EP0124401B1 (de) 1983-04-01 1984-03-28 Anzeiger für den Flüssigkeitsstand

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US4489224A (de)
EP (1) EP0124401B1 (de)
JP (1) JPS59184824A (de)
AU (1) AU560854B2 (de)
BR (1) BR8401559A (de)
CA (1) CA1237504A (de)
DE (1) DE3464352D1 (de)
ES (1) ES8502255A1 (de)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0204204A1 (de) * 1985-06-03 1986-12-10 AlliedSignal Inc. Behälter für einen Hauptzylinder
FR2637234A1 (fr) * 1988-09-13 1990-04-06 Renault Reservoir de compensation avec dispositif avertisseur, notamment pour circuits de freinage

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3562923D1 (en) 1984-12-05 1988-06-30 Mitsubishi Chem Ind Rare earth phosphor and radiographic image conversion screen
US5426271A (en) * 1994-01-18 1995-06-20 Honeywell Inc. Liquid level sensor
US6236323B1 (en) 1999-09-30 2001-05-22 Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. Visual fluid level indicator using magnetic pins
DE102017221478A1 (de) 2017-11-30 2019-06-06 Robert Bosch Gmbh Verfahren zur Funktionsprüfung einer elektromechanischen Füllstandüberwachungseinrichtung

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2866866A (en) * 1956-11-16 1958-12-30 Rene A Laplante Fluid supply and level indicating system
US3678490A (en) * 1971-03-24 1972-07-18 Bendix Corp Master cylinder low fluid indicator
US4046977A (en) * 1974-08-22 1977-09-06 Benditalia S.P.A. Fluid reservoir
US4057700A (en) * 1975-02-21 1977-11-08 Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha Fluid level indicator

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2927176A (en) * 1955-01-06 1960-03-01 Phillips Aviat Co Magnetic switch mechanism
FR1518966A (fr) * 1967-02-17 1968-03-29 Dispositif de contrôle hydro-électrique ou analogue et ses applications
SU420882A1 (ru) * 1972-03-27 1974-03-25 Е. М. Агарев, Г. Ш. Гуревич, Ю. И. Колотий, В. К. Лемешко, Л. С. Перси нинов, Б. П. Плахин , В. И. Яворовский РЕЛЕ УРОВНЯ ЖИДКОСТИ\[ФиLJ.-..
JPS4942204U (de) * 1972-07-24 1974-04-13
US3868485A (en) * 1972-09-07 1975-02-25 Hunt Philip A Density sensing probe switch with adjustable float
JPS5147635B2 (de) * 1972-11-10 1976-12-16
US4085336A (en) * 1976-08-09 1978-04-18 Paul F. Walters Liquid flow activated switch
JPS54143253U (de) * 1978-03-29 1979-10-04

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2866866A (en) * 1956-11-16 1958-12-30 Rene A Laplante Fluid supply and level indicating system
US3678490A (en) * 1971-03-24 1972-07-18 Bendix Corp Master cylinder low fluid indicator
US4046977A (en) * 1974-08-22 1977-09-06 Benditalia S.P.A. Fluid reservoir
US4057700A (en) * 1975-02-21 1977-11-08 Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha Fluid level indicator

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0204204A1 (de) * 1985-06-03 1986-12-10 AlliedSignal Inc. Behälter für einen Hauptzylinder
FR2637234A1 (fr) * 1988-09-13 1990-04-06 Renault Reservoir de compensation avec dispositif avertisseur, notamment pour circuits de freinage

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES531185A0 (es) 1984-12-16
EP0124401B1 (de) 1987-06-24
AU560854B2 (en) 1987-04-16
US4489224A (en) 1984-12-18
ES8502255A1 (es) 1984-12-16
AU2612784A (en) 1984-10-04
CA1237504A (en) 1988-05-31
JPS59184824A (ja) 1984-10-20
JPH0430532B2 (de) 1992-05-22
BR8401559A (pt) 1984-11-13
DE3464352D1 (en) 1987-07-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6105611A (en) Reservoir tank
US4020481A (en) Fluid level alarm device
US4805668A (en) Brake fluid container
US4057700A (en) Fluid level indicator
EP0124401A1 (de) Anzeiger für den Flüssigkeitsstand
EP0096254B1 (de) Fluidvorratsbehälter mit Niveausensor
US4082930A (en) Liquid level sensor
US3751614A (en) Fluid level indicating devices with pull to test feature
JPS5836988Y2 (ja) 油量検出警告装置のチエック機構
US3680044A (en) Liquid level indicating arrangement for vehicles
JP4347502B2 (ja) 車両用液圧マスタシリンダのリザーバ
US3539197A (en) Trim corrector control devices of vehicles
US4090049A (en) Sealed reservoir for brake master cylinder
JPS6247722B2 (de)
US4090050A (en) Electro-mechanical liquid level sensor
US4144757A (en) Devices for controlling the level of a liquid in a tank
GB1587306A (en) Sealed fluid reservoir for brake master cylinders
US4626700A (en) Hydraulic reservoir with fluid level detector
US4628162A (en) Fluid level indicator for a reservoir
US3342960A (en) Fluid level sensing and indicating device
US4046977A (en) Fluid reservoir
US3531767A (en) Dual-compartment master cylinder liquid-level indicator
US3985985A (en) Brake fluid level sensing system
JPS56103323A (en) Liquid level detector of liquid vessel for vehicle
KR790000986B1 (ko) 액체 저장기

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19850321

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: ALLIED CORPORATION

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3464352

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19870730

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Effective date: 19890328

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Effective date: 19891201

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19950309

Year of fee payment: 12

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Effective date: 19961129

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST